Grid-like construction boat, for use as a tender or trip boat

ABSTRACT

An improved grid-like construction boat ( 1 ), for use as a tender or trip boat, comprises a central tubular framework, a plurality of tubular elements coupled to the framework and one or more impermeable fabric plies ( 16, 17 ) also coupled to the central tubular framework, and encompassing the central tubular framework and tubular elements.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an improved grid-like constructionboat, specifically designed for use as a tender or trip boat.

To have, at sea or lake places, a small boat for performing short tripsalong the coastline, represents an increasing requirement for thosepersons spending their free time for hobby or relaxation purposes, orfor holidays, at the mentioned water places.

Also known is that pleasure boaters find as increasingly comfortable touse small boats, the socalled “tenders” for accessing the shore, whileleaving anchored offshore, at will or as required, their large sail ormotor boat.

For meeting the above requirements, the prior art provides a lot ofrubber boats, either including or not rigid keels, and small boats madeof a glass reinforced resin material, aluminium alloys, or woodmaterials.

While the above small boats solve the mentioned technical problem, theyare however affected by several disadvantages.

In fact, said prior boats, either of a rigid or of a inflatable typehull have a comparatively large size. The rigid hull boats, in addition,also have the further drawback that they take up a large portion of themain boat deck; thus suitable and expensive pulley and rope assembliesshould be provided on the main boat deck to hold the tenders raised fromwater and out-board. The inflatable hull boats, in turn, while beingless affected by the above drawback, require very tedious inflating anddeflating operations.

Another common drawback of said prior small boats is the comparativelygreat weight thereof, very critical for the user at the start and end ofthe sailing season, i.e. when the boats are launched onto water orremoved therefrom.

Yet another drawback of prior small boats is their high cost, inparticular as they are provided, as conventional, with outboard motors.

Furthermore, the maintenance of said boats, with the exception of smallaluminium boats, is very complex; this is true both for inflatable andrigid boats, and, in particular, wood and out-board motor boats.

Actually, the first type of boats require a very skilled and accuratelabour, while the second boats require a skilled maintenance on theirmotor assemblies.

It should be apparent that these maintenance requirements represent anadditional cost for the users of said boats which, even if small, cannot be however eliminated.

The document WO96/39323 discloses a grid-like construction boataccording to the preamble of claim 1.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, the main object of the present invention is to overcome theabove mentioned drawback of prior small boats.

Thus to achieve the above mentioned aim, the invention, provides animproved grid-like construction boat, specifically designed for use as atender or a trip boat, which can be series-made at low cost, has a smallweight, is reliable, safe, simple to use, with a reduced size and smallmaintenance requirements.

In brief, the inventive boat is an improved grid-like construction boat,specifically designed for use as a tender and comprises a centraltubular framework, a plurality of tubular elements coupled to saidcentral tubular framework, and one or more impermeable fabric plies alsocoupled to said central tubular framework, and encompassing said centraltubular framework and said tubular elements.

The improved grid-like construction boat, specifically designed for useas a tender, according to the invention, is characterized in by thecharacterizing features of claim 1.

The improved grid-like construction boat, specifically designed for useas a tender or a trip boat according to the invention, provides thefollowing advantages.

The subject boat has a very small weight, if compared to that of smallprior boats, with a great advantage from the transport standpoint.

The size of the boat, in its disassembled condition, is very small,thereby it can be easily stored on board of the main boat.

Moreover, the boat according to the present invention can be easilyassembled without using assembling tools such as manual air pumps,compressors and the like.

The cost of the subject boat, moreover, is much smaller than that ofprior like boats, because of its constructional simplicity, and thepossibility of it by small and large series operation.

The inventive boat, furthermore, does not require any maintenance, dueto the materials used for making the component pieces forming said boat,thereby allowing the user to achieve great time and money savings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further characteristics, advantages and details of the improvedgrid-like construction boat, specifically designed for use as a tenderor as a trip boat according to the present invention, will become moreapparent from the following disclosure, with reference to theaccompanying drawings, illustrating, by way of an indicative, but notlimitative example, two preferred embodiments thereof.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the central framework of the improvedgrid-like construction boat, specifically designed for use as a tenderor a trip boat on seas, rivers or lakes, according to the invention.

FIG. 2 is perspective view of the central framework, of the boataccording to the invention, shown in FIG. 1, to which other structuralelements have been coupled.

FIG. 3 is a reversed perspective view of the full framework of theimproved grid-like construction boat, specifically designed for use as atender or trip boat according to the invention.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a detail of a structural element of thesubject boat.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the framework shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the improved grid-like construction,specifically designed for use as a tender or trip boat according to thepresent invention.

FIG. 7 is a further perspective view of some details of the coating ofthe boat according to the invention, shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a vertical view of the stern of the boat shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 9 is a vertical view of the stern of a second embodiment of thatsame boat.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

With reference to the number references of the above disclosed figures,the improved grid-like construction boat 1, specifically designed forsmall distance trips, and suitable for use as a tender, comprises acentral tubular framework 2, including substantially three portions: twoperimetric elements 3, 4 and a central element 5.

The perimetrical elements 3, 4, symmetrical with respect to one another,have a polygonal broken line contour having six sides and coupled to thecentral element 5 by resilient ropes 10, connected to the inner endportions of the elements 3, 4, 5. This connecting system, in particular,allows to greatly reduce the size of the central framework 2, forstoring purposes.

As shown, the central element 5 has both its coupling end portions 6, 7of “T” shape and, substantially through the overall length thereof, isprovided with four pairs 8 of tubular plug-in elements, each of which isadapted to engage therein a tubular element 9 in turn connecting thecentral element 5 to the perimetrical element 3 or 4.

Another embodiment of the inventive boat advantageously provides tofurther divide the perimetrical elements 3 and 4 and central element 5,said elements being held connected to one another by further resilientropes or cables: this approach would allow to further reduce the size ofthe subject boat, in its stored condition.

The mentioned tubular element 9 is provided with a coupling assembly 11,designed to fixedly engage with the perimetral tubular element 3 or 4.

The coupling assembly 11 is advantageously provided with a plasticmaterial portion 12 having a shape complementary to the outer contour ofthe perimetrical tubular element 3 or 4 and, thereabove, two centrallyperforated supporting elements 13 for coupling, by mechanical couplingelements 14, the rod 15 of the tubular element 19. Said mechanicalcoupling elements can comprise screws, nuts, or like coupling means.

Two impermeable plies 16 and 17 encompass the central tubular framework2 and tubular elements 9 coupled to said framework, to provide thebottom, stern board or transom and sidewalls of the inventive boat 1.

Both said plies are preferably made of a synthetic impermeable material,and are provided, on the perimeter thereof, with a plurality of holes 19for coupling said plies to one another by one or more resilient ropes orcables 18.

Hook elements 20, made of a plastic material, are engaged in the holes19 formed on the perimeter of the bottom ply 16, thereby encompassingthe bottom of the boat 1, to hold the ropes 18 suitably tensioned orstretched.

The top ply 17 also encompasses the bottom of the boat 1 above the ply16, but, since it has a surface larger than that of the ply 16, it canencompass the overall boat hull, included the perimetrical elements 3and 4. The latter are however held advantageously exposed to view atleast at some portions thereof, by suitable openings 25 formed throughthe ply 17.

In fact, on the above mentioned portions, as suitably provided at acentral position, it is possible to assemble the rowlock pins, of knowntype and not specifically shown in the figures.

On the bottom of the boat according to the invention are moreoverprovided bottom elements 24, made of a foamed polyethylene material,preferably arranged symmetrically by pairs, whereas, at the centre andtoward the boat stern two small seats 21 are provided.

A further embodiment of the boat according to the present invention,advantageously provides to form an integral or single body constitutedby the plies 16, 17 and bottom elements 24, in order to provide the boatbottom with a greater stiffness.

The above mentioned seats 21, of rectangular shape, are provided with athroughgoing hole at each corner thereof, therethrough are entrainedropes 22, which, being coupled to spring catch elements 23 fixed to theperimetrical elements 3 or 4, will hold said seats 21 in a raisedattitude.

Finally, for obtaining a greater rolling stability, a second embodimentof the boat according to the invention, also provides, at a centralposition, transversely of said boat, a pair of floating elements 26.

In this connection it should be further pointed out that it would bepossible to assemble, on the inventive boat, a small outboard motor, notshown in the figures, said motor being coupled to the perimetricalelements 3 and 4 at the stern side.

It should be apparent that the shape and size of the elements formingthe improved grid-like construction boat, specifically designed for useas a tender or a trip boat, according to the invention, can be changedaccording to the specific requirements, without departing from the abovedisclosed inventive idea.

The assembling and launching of the subject boat can be carried out in avery easy manner.

In fact, for launching the boat, the central tubular framework 2, which,in its stored condition, owing to the resilient ropes 10, has a veryreduced size, is at first extended by bringing the perimetrical elements3 and 4 to the position shown in FIG. 1, by a rotary movement. Then,said perimetrical elements are firmly connected to the central element 5at its T-shape endportions 6 and 7.

Then, to said framework 2, eight tubular elements 9 are connected, bythe coupling elements 8 and 11 provided on the central element 5 and onsaid tubular element 9.

Then, the thus made grid-like construction boat 1 is arranged on the twoimpermeable plies 16 and 17.

The larger size ply 17, will be then entrained on the perimetralelements 3 and 4, while arranging a plurality of hooks 20 on thecorresponding plurality of holes 19 perimetrically formed through theply 16.

Then, one or more ropes 18, joined to one another, will be caused topass with a zig-zag arrangement, through the holes 19, perimetricallyformed through the ply 17, and along the hook elements 20, coupled tothe ply 16, so as to firmly join said plies to the already assembledgrid-like construction.

Finally, by the ropes 22 and spring catch elements 23, it will bepossible to mount the seats 21, the bottom elements 24 being abutted onthe bottom of the boat 1, so as to form the limber board thereof. Therowlock pins for the oars are then assembled on the perimetral elements3 and 4 left exposed through the openings 25 provided through the ply17; finally, at the stern side, a small outboard motor can be connectedto said elements 3 and 4.

Owing to the used materials, the boat 1 according to the invention has avery small weight and, in its assembled condition, it can be launchedwithout any difficulties.

What is claimed is:
 1. An improved grid-like construction boat,specifically designed for use as a tender or a trip boat, said boatcomprising a central tubular framework (2), a plurality of tubularelements (9) coupled to said central tubular framework (2), and at leastone impermeable fabric ply (16, 17), also coupled to said centraltubular framework (2), and encompassing said central tubular frameworkand said tubular elements (9), said central tubular framework (2) beingprovided with two perimetrical elements (3, 4), coupled by resilientropes (10) and fixed-joint coupling elements, to a central element (5),said boat (1) comprising moreover two said impermeable plies (16, 17)each provided, along a perimeter thereof, with a plurality ofthroughgoing holes (19), one of said plies (17) having a larger surfaceand comprising at least two openings (25).
 2. A boat according to claim1, characterized in that said boat (1) is provided with at least oneseat (21), coupled to said central tubular framework (2) by ropes (22)and spring catch elements (23).
 3. A boat according to claim 1,characterized in that said boat (1) comprises, as a limber boardthereof, a plurality of bottom elements (24), abutted on one of saidplies (16, 17), in spaces formed between two adjoining said tubularelements (9).
 4. A boat according to claim 3, characterized in that saidplies (16, 17) and bottom elements (21) form a single element.
 5. A boataccording to claim 1, characterized in that said boat (1) comprises apair of floating elements (26) arranged transversely of a longitudinalmiddle line of said boat.
 6. A boat according to claim 1, characterizedin that said central element (5) is provided with two T-shape endportions (6, 7) having an inner configuration complementary to that ofthe outer end portions of said perimetrical elements (3, 4), in theinside of which are clamped resilient ropes (10), and, along alongitudinal portion thereof, being provided with four pairs of plug-inelements (8), having a complementary inside configuration, at an outerend of said tubular elements (9).
 7. A boat according to claim 6,characterized in that said tubular elements (9) are provided with abottom coupling assembly (11), connected to a rod (11), the other end ofwhich has an outer configuration complementary to the innerconfiguration of the plug-in element (8) provided on said centralelement (5).
 8. A boat, according to claim 7, characterized in that saidcoupling assembly (11) provided on said tubular element (9), comprises abottom portion (12) having a shape complementary to the outer surface ofthe perimetrical elements (3, 4), above said surface two supportingperforated elements (13) for clamping, by mechanical coupling means(14), the bottom of said rod (15) being provided.
 9. A boat according toclaim 1, characterized in that said perimetrical elements (3, 4) have atubular construction and comprise a broken six-side polygonal line,resilient ropes (10) being coupled inside respective end portions ofsaid tubular framework.
 10. A boat according to claim 1, characterizedin that said two perimetrical elements (3, 4) and central element (5)are divided into a plurality of portions coupled to one another byresilient ropes.
 11. A boat according to claim 1, characterized in thaton the smaller surface impermeable ply (16) are provided a plurality ofhook elements, coupled to the corresponding plurality of holes (19)formed through said ply (16).
 12. A boat according to claim 11,characterized in that at least one of said ropes is (18) provided forjoining to one another said impermeable plies (16, 17) by engagingthrough the holes (19) of the larger surface ply (17) and the hookelements (20) coupled to the holes (19) of the smaller surface ply (16).